Fear has been part of me
It surrounds my being
I put up shelter
around my mind
in hopes of trapping it there

It pushes me to react
it lures me into dark places
It cheats my heart
and creates blackness
where there should be light

I begin to protect it
and almost miss it's
thickness that holds my hand
when no one else is
there to be a comfort

It is an enemy disguised
as a friend, not allowing
me to break free from
it's intoxicating grasp
like an addiction it pushes

When I attempt to move out
of the comfort of my shelter
to explore the world and
relationships new
it beckons me to return to it

I feel exposed and vulnerable
I want to have control
to feel safe by the other
when it needs to come from
within where it has never lived

Living in this new world with
constant uncertainty is
taking a chance and exposing
my heart to the elements
not knowing the rules

Life is but about chances
Seeing and feeling
the raw world
without preplanned comfort
I am treading like a baby

I hope the people I meet
see the honesty and openness
and care for me
with respect and truth
as I should for myself